L3-CRY-LN2-CIRC
ESSENTIAL
PRESERVATION
Level 3 · hardware
LN2 Circulation Pump
Cryogenic Fluid Circulation Pump System
Pump circulating liquid nitrogen through storage vessels for uniform temperature distribution
Purpose
Pump circulating liquid nitrogen through storage vessels for uniform temperature distribution
Context
Child of L2-CRY-LN2
Principles
- ▸Magnetically-coupled centrifugal pump eliminates shaft seal leak path
- ▸Variable-speed drive matches flow rate to thermal load requirements
- ▸Cryogenic bearings (ceramic hybrid) operate in LN2 without lubricant
- ▸Backup pump with automatic switchover ensures continuous circulation
Typical implementations
- ▸Barber-Nichols cryogenic centrifugal pumps
- ▸ACD cryo-cooler pumps for LN2 circulation
- ▸Nikkiso cryogenic submerged motor pumps
Lunar considerations
- ▸Pump reliability at -196C for years between maintenance cycles
- ▸1/6g affects pump cavitation margins - NPSH calculations must account for lunar gravity
- ▸Pump vibration must not couple to sample storage areas
Specifications
Functional
| primary function | Pump circulating liquid nitrogen through storage vessels for uniform temperature distribution |
Physical
| materials | Inconel 718 impeller, Si3N4 ceramic bearings, Stainless steel housing |
Interfaces
Provides
- Circulated LN2 for uniform temperature
Requires
- Power for pump motor (~20-50W)
Cite this entry
Lunar Ark Codex. "LN2 Circulation Pump" (L3-CRY-LN2-CIRC). Retrieved 10 September 2026, from https://lunarark.com/entry/L3-CRY-LN2-CIRC
Licensed CC-BY-SA 4.0. You may reuse and adapt this entry with attribution, under the same licence.